China Summer Abroad News

Kyle chats with Dr. Lynette One about the virtual Summer Abroad course JPA331Y: Issues in Contemporary Chinese Politics: The Rise of Global China. Kyle took this course in 2021. Throughout their conversation they talk about the benefits of the virtual course format, in-course discussions, guest speakers and why JPA331Y is such a great opportunity!

"JPA331 is a great worth-learning course for anyone who is interested in exploring the contemporary Chinese society! Despite it only lasts for 20 days, Professor Lynette Ong helped us probe various political, economic, and cultural aspects of modern China, while the course readings and presentations gave us a direct and intimate understanding of China’s politics and society, political economy, and its footprints around the globe. By incorporating different perspectives from Professor Ong and my peers, this course significantly broadened my horizon and knowledge base, making me much more interested in further exploring the dynamics of the Chinese development model.

Meanwhile, this is my first university course which required students to make presentations and lead in-class discussions. Through the process of learning and reflecting, my ability to make PowerPoints, to present readings, and to summarize articles dramatically improved, while I became more confident in talking in front of others thanks to the inclusive and open-minded academic atmosphere this course created. I also enjoyed the process of working with my classmates within study groups, as it always filled with creativity, active discussion, and passion. This course helped me realize the importance of groupwork and how it could improve the overall efficiency of course assignments. Overall, this is one of the best courses I have ever taken, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with other prospective students! the future, I hope more students with different cultural backgrounds could participate in it to give their opinions on modern China!"